System and method for routing a wireless connection in a hybrid network

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for establishing and/or routing wireless data and/or voice connections across a hybrid network based upon a user&#39;s selection or preference. In some embodiments, a method for routing a wireless connection across a hybrid network comprises allowing a user to select a routing preference, routing the wireless connection via a short-haul communications network if the routing preference indicates a short-haul communications network choice, and routing the wireless connection via a cellular network if the routing preference indicates a cellular network choice. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a system and method for learning the user&#39;s data, cellular, and/or VoIP access habits in order to optimize the user&#39;s experience. In yet other embodiments, the present invention allows carriers to comply with CALEA and E911 rules by identifying the location of hybrid devices within the hybrid network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application60/666,676, filed Mar. 30, 2005, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates in general to wireless networks and, moreparticularly, to a system and method for routing a connection in ahybrid wireless network based on a user selection or preference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wireless service rates are driven by competition among carriers. As newwireless environments are developed, rate structures must become evenmore competitive. An exemplary hybrid environment consists of a cellularnetwork, such as a GSM or PCS network, coupled to a computer network,such as a wireless computer network using a Voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP). In order to take full advantage of this hybrid environment,users may operate hybrid phones or other devices capable of operating indifferent networks.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system and method for establishingand/or routing wireless connections via a hybrid network. In oneexemplary embodiment, a user selects at least one routing preference.After his or her preferences have been selected, the user's wirelessconnections are routed according to those preferences. For example, amethod may comprise routing the wireless connection via a short-haulcommunications network if the routing preference indicates a short-haulcommunications network choice, and routing the wireless connection via acellular network if the routing preference indicates a cellular networkchoice. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention mayprovide a system and method for learning the user's data, cellular,and/or VoIP access habits over a period of time for optimizing theuser's preferences.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention may provide a systemand method that complies with the Communications Assistance for LawEnforcement Act (CALEA), for example, by allowing telecommunicationscarriers to assist law enforcement in executing electronic surveillancepursuant to court order or other lawful authorization. In yet anotherexemplary embodiment, the present invention may provide a system andmethod that complies with Enhanced 9-1-1 (E911) rules, for example, byallowing telecommunications carriers to report the telephone number of awireless 9-1-1 caller and the location of the antenna or base stationthat received the call upon valid request by a local Public SafetyAnswering Point (PSAP). These and other embodiments may be madepossible, for example, by the identification of a hybrid device'slocation within a hybrid wireless network.

Certain aspects of the present invention may comprise a hybrid networkin the form of, for example, a cellular network (such as a GSM, TDMA,CDMA, PCS, etc.), coupled to a wireless computer network using a Voiceover Internet Protocol (VoIP), or the like. VoIP allows voice signals tobe delivered as packets of data using the Internet Protocol (IP). Oneadvantage of using VoIP and Internet telephony is that it avoidsexpensive tolls charged by ordinary telephone service. However, as aperson of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize in light ofthis disclosure, other protocols may be used.

Other aspects of the present invention may include, for example, hybridwireless telephones, wireless modems, pagers, PDAs, laptops, computers,and the like. A hybrid phone or device may be capable of operating in atleast one network of the hybrid wireless network comprising cellularnetworks and wireless IP networks.

In one embodiment, the invention may use a server-client architecture aswell as device level programming through the use of TCP/IP and cellularsignal processing for routing data, each of which is well known in theart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a hybrid system embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a method for selecting routing preferences,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a call flow diagram, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram of hybrid system 100 embodying thepresent invention is depicted. Hybrid device 105 may communicate throughfirst wireless link 106 with an antenna at cellular base station 110.Such communication is well known in the art and is employed, forexample, in many wireless networks throughout the world. Cellular basestation 110 and other similar base stations are connected to cellularnetwork 130 through a mobile switching center (not shown). Cellularnetwork 130 may include various network components well-known in the artand used to communicate with other networks, such as, for example, aPublic Switched Telephone Network (not shown). Additionally oralternatively, hybrid device 105 may also connect to wireless basestation 120 through a second wireless link 107, thereby communicatingwith computer network 140.

Cellular network 130 may be, for example, a wireless telephony networkcomplying with the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM),Digital-Advanced Mobile Phone Service (DAMPS), Interim Standard (IS)136, IS 95 standards, or any other Personal Communications Services(PCS) wireless network. The term “network” as used herein refersgenerally to typical infrastructure and components of atelecommunications network, such as base stations, mobile switchingcenters, switching and control networks, and any other related nodes orelements, including Visitor Location Registers (VLR), Signaling ControlPoints, message centers, and the like. Computer network 140 may be, forexample, an internet service provider (ISP) network connected to theInternet, while wireless base station 120 may be, for example, a basestation complying with the WiFi (IEEE 802.11) or WiMAX (IEEE 802.16)standards. Together, computer network 140 and wireless base station 120form a short-haul communications network.

Hybrid network 160 comprises cellular network 130 coupled to computernetwork 140 through control network 150. In one embodiment, controlnetwork 150 may comprise an applications processor, a gateway, and alocation entity, such as a Home Location Register (HLR). U.S. Pat. No.5,978,672, issued Nov. 2, 1999, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,935, issued Jan.30, 2001, both entitled MOBILITY EXTENDED TELEPHONE APPLICATIONPROGRAMMING INTERFACE AND METHOD OF USE and hereby incorporated byreference, disclose systems and methods for interconnecting differentnetworks into a hybrid network. As disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No.5,978,672, the applications processor and gateway of control network 150may function as an interface by converting and reformatting messagesbetween cellular network 130 and computer network 140.

Control network 150 may include a location entity that allows carriersto comply with CALEA and E911 rules by identifying the current routinginformation and location of hybrid device 105. In one embodiment,control network 150 may allow a law enforcement agency to access currentrouting information. In another embodiment, control network 150 mayprovide current routing information to the law enforcement agency. Inyet another embodiment, control network 150 may provide locationinformation associated with a 9-1-1 call to an emergency service usingcurrent routing information.

Control network 150 is coupled to routing preferences server 170(hereinafter referred to as User-Notification Directed Routing or UNDRserver). UNDR server 170 may employ, for example, a server-clientarchitecture and/or device level programming through the use of TCP/IPand cellular signal processing methods to communicate with controlnetwork 150 and to route a wireless connection based on a user's routingpreference. UNDR server 170 may store a user's preference setting in adatabase. In one embodiment, the user accesses UNDR server 170 throughwireless base station 120 and computer network 140. Alternatively, theuser may access UNDR server 170 through cellular base station 110 andcellular network 130. In another embodiment, the user accesses, enters,modifies, and/or saves user preferences into UNDR server 170 using aweb-enabled device such as, for example, laptop computer 108. Laptopcomputer 108 may access UNDR 170 through a third wireless link 109 orthrough any other communications link. Alternatively, the user mayaccess and/or enter its preferences stored at UNDR server 170 usinghybrid device 105. UNDR server 170 may also configure IP routing andaddressing based on default preferences so that the user has a defaultstarting point when a preferred location is not available or isunreliable. It will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill inthe art that deviations from this exemplary embodiment fall within thescope of the present invention.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a method for selecting routing preferences 200stored in UNDR server 170 (of FIG. 1) embodying the present invention isdepicted. In step 205, a user may access a set of basic datapreferences. Exemplary basic data preferences 205 are shown in block206, and may include one or more data access areas. A data access areamay be selected by providing a physical address such as, for example, astreet address and/or a zip code. In the non-limiting embodiment ofblock 206, a user's first data network preference indicates that theuser would like to access data using free WiFi services first. Theuser's second data network preference indicates that a CDMA networkconnection should be attempted if the first preference is not fulfilled.The user's third preference is that any available WiFi network for agiven rate should be used if the first and second preferences are notfulfilled. The user's fourth preference is that a GSM network should beaccessed if the first, second, and third preferences cannot befulfilled. Finally, the fifth preference is that the system provide aprompt indicating any available networks and requisition input from theuser. Block 206 may also include a smart option, which is described inmore detail below with respect to step 215.

In step 210, the user may access a set of network preferences. Exemplarynetwork preferences 210 are shown in block 211, and may include apreferred cellular network provider, a computer network provider,roaming preferences, and hybrid device features. In the non-limitingembodiment of block 211, the user has indicated two preferred GSM datanetwork providers. The user has also indicated that roaming to bothno-charge and paid WiFi hotspots is allowed. Although, the user has notto selected any preferred CDMA data network providers, it has indicatedtwo preferred VoIP providers. Hybrid device features may include handsettype, Multimedia Message Service (MMS) capabilities, User-Plane PositionDetermining Entity (PDE) capabilities, and VoIP capabilities.

In step 215, the user may access a set of smart options or learningpreferences. Exemplary smart options 215 are shown in block 216, and mayinclude a learning activation option, a training period option, and adynamic profile update option. In one exemplary embodiment, smartoptions 215 may allow UNDR server 170 to learn the user's habits (e.g.,data, cellular, and/or VoIP connections with associated locations) sothat it can optimize the user's preferences over a period of time. Inanother exemplary embodiment, UNDR 170 may identify access patterns. Forinstance, if a user frequently requests data services from a particularlocation, UNDR server 170 may dynamically adjust the user's routingpreferences in order to minimize the costs of his or her dataconnections, depending upon which networks are available at thatlocation. Additionally or alternatively, UNDER server 170 may adjust theuser's routing preferences in order to maximize the reliability ofservices provided. In yet another exemplary embodiment, UNDR server 170provides added services depending upon the user's location.Additionally, the hybrid network may provide enhanced 9-1-1 and CALEAservices.

With respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, method 200 described above allows hybridnetwork 160 to route a network connection based upon the preferencesstored in the UNDR server 170. Also, method 200 also allows the user toaccess either computer network 140 or cellular network 160 based on itsrouting preferences. Furthermore, method 200 allows the user todetermine how it will access data or voice in future connections basedupon its location and/or in reference to its routing preferences. Itwill be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art thatdeviations from this exemplary embodiment fall within the scope of thepresent invention. For example, each of the exemplary basic datapreferences 206, network preferences 211, and learning preferences 216may each include more or less options, and/or options other than thosespecifically described above. Moreover, steps 205, 210, and 215 may begrouped together in a single step containing all available options.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a call flow diagram embodying the presentinvention is depicted. Preferably, scenarios 305, 310, and/or 315 occurafter the user has registered its preferences with the UNDR server 170according to method 200 as described above. In a set-up procedure (notshown), hybrid device 105 may log into computer network 140 to downloada basic profile information from UNDR server 170. In an alternativeembodiment, hybrid device 150 accesses UNDR server 170 through thecellular network 160. Once registered, hybrid device 105 may poll UNDRserver 170 to initiate a first data fix procedure. Once the first datafix procedure and a new updated location sensitive data is sent to thehybrid device 105, the user may then follow one of scenarios 305, 310,and/or 315.

A position request scenario 305 may be, for example, similar to astandard cellular registration flow known in the art. First, hybriddevice 105 sends a registration request through any network available(130 or 140) based on a user profile that exists on device 105. Second,the network (130 or 140) passes the registration request through to theUNDR server 170, which queries the location entity of control network150 for the location of hybrid device 105. Third, UNDR server 170receives location information from the location entity of controlnetwork 150. Finally, UNDR server 170 may acknowledge receipt to hybriddevice 105 and push any updates for local wireless to device 105 alongwith its optimal configuration and preset authentication and quality ofservice parameters. In an alternative embodiment, position requestscenario 305 is configurable. Furthermore, UNDR server 170 may alter theregistration dynamically based on user behavior.

In data-only session scenario 310, hybrid device 105 originates a datasession directed to one of the available networks (130 or 140). In analternative embodiment, hybrid device 105 originates a data session withaccess parameters presets. Subsequently, the network (130 or 140)accesses the user's computer or ISP network 140. Finally, hybrid device105 receives access acknowledgment from computer or ISP network 140, anda data only session between hybrid device 105 and ISP network 140 isestablished.

In VoIP data session scenario 315, hybrid device 105 originates a VoIPdata session directed to a network (130 or 140). In an alternativeembodiment, hybrid device 105 originates a VoIP data session with accessparameters presets. Then, the network (130 or 140) accesses the user'scomputer or ISP network 140, and hybrid device 105 receives accessacknowledgment from the computer or ISP network 140. Finally, hybriddevice 105 begins a VoIP session through a VoIP switch within controlnetwork 150.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, thescope of the present application is not intended to be limited to theparticular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositionof matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. Asone of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from thedisclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized according to the present invention.Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within theirscope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising, at a wireless device:sending a request for routing configuration information to a serversystem; receiving routing configuration information from the serversystem; wherein the routing configuration information comprises firstconfiguration information of a first wireless link between the wirelessdevice and a cellular base station of a cellular network and secondconfiguration information of a second wireless link between the wirelessdevice and a wireless base station of a wireless computer network; andwherein the routing configuration information is at least partiallybased on the geographic location of the wireless device.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the routing configuration information comprisesconfiguration information for different types of data sessions.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the configuration information of the secondwireless link relates at least in part to a WiFi network.
 4. The methodof claim 1, wherein the request for routing configuration information isa registration request.
 5. The method of claim 1, where the request forrouting configuration information is sent over a cellular network. 6.The method of claim 1, further comprising using the routingconfiguration information to select at least one of the first wirelesslink and the second wireless link for routing data traffic.
 7. Awireless device comprising: a first communication circuit which cancommunicate through a first wireless link with a cellular base stationof a cellular network; a second communication circuit which cancommunicate through a second wireless link with a wireless base stationof a wireless IP network; a processor; non-transitory storage comprisingcomputer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor,instruct the processor to: send a request for routing configurationinformation to a server system; and receive routing configurationinformation from the server system; wherein the routing configurationinformation comprises first configuration information of the firstwireless link and second configuration information of the secondwireless link, and wherein the routing configuration information is atleast partially based on the location of the wireless device.
 8. Thewireless device of claim 7, wherein the routing configurationinformation comprises configuration information for different types ofdata sessions.
 9. The wireless device of claim 7, wherein theconfiguration information of the second wireless link relates at leastin part to a wifi network
 10. The wireless device of claim 7, whereinthe request for routing configuration information is a registrationrequest.
 11. The wireless device of claim 7, further comprising sendingthe request for routing configuration information over a cellularnetwork.
 12. The wireless device of claim 7, wherein the wireless deviceis a telephone.
 13. A method comprising, at a wireless device: accessingrouting configuration information, wherein the routing configurationinformation comprises first configuration information of a firstwireless link between the wireless device and a cellular base station ofa cellular network for a first type of data session and secondconfiguration information of a second wireless link between the wirelessdevice and a wireless base station of a wireless computer network for asecond type of data session, the second type of data session beingdifferent from the first type of data session; selecting one of thefirst wireless link and the second wireless link for a data sessionusing the routing configuration information and based at least in parton a type of the data session; and establishing the data session with aserver using the selected one of the first wireless link or the secondwireless link and the respective first configuration information andsecond configuration information.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising, before the accessing routing configuration information,downloading the routing configuration information.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the routing configuration information is at leastpartially based on the geographic location of the wireless device. 16.The method of claim 13, wherein the second configuration information ofthe second wireless link relates at least in part to a WiFi network.